Got a call late tonight from an old friend and 100% reliable source that I haven't heard from in a long time. He/She had just had a very interesting discussion with a member of the band and knew that I would want to hear this. Anyway, here's the current plan for the coming months:

North American tour will be much like the European Tour, but about 30 minutes shorter. The band felt the 3 hour shows were a bit much, so will try 2 and a half hours. The good news is that the shows will be less pop, with a some real surprises being added to the set. There will also be a rotation of 6 songs from the new album.

Lol has been invited to some of the California shows. And not just as a guest....hmmm.

Expect 3-5 "secret shows" during the NA tour. No publicity AT ALL. They are being called Sneak Attack Shows. That will be your only clue about them. Check the local papers and street flyers. NYC and LA clubs are confirmed, but expect a couple in "unique places" in "unique cities". And one other thing, be sure to go to the bathroom, get a drink or just hang around an hour after the show. You might just find something very interesting. NIN fans will understand.

The band is booked for the Jimmy Kimmel show and Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

Album is 99.13% confirmed to be titled 'Thirteen', with 13 forming the T and E. It's a Porl/Parched Art design. Cover design is said to be brilliant. The band/Robert are not pictured on it.

Album release will be after the completion of the NA Tour, possibly end of June, but more likely in early to mid July (yes, in 2008, smart asses).

The album is really going to surprise people (in a good way). Maybe a bit too upbeat for some, but the dark stuff is better than anything they've done before. And guess what? There's some keyboards and piano on a few songs! Robert plays both.

Album will be released in at least 4 formats:Single cd (the Geffen mix) with DVD bonusDouble CD box set (the Robert mix) with DVD and Book bonusVinyl box set (8 LPs and Book bonus)Download only version of the Robert mix with additional tracks (demos, scratch tracks, remixes, live).

European Festivals are being added as we speak. Expect at least 10 festival shows. Maybe a few non-festivals too, as the European tour sold VERY well. And the setlists WILL be different from the 4Tour.

South America MIGHT be added after the European festivals, though it looks unlikely right now.

Expect even bigger plans for 2009. Isn't there a very special anniversary next year? The band may be even busier than in '08. The release schedule DEFINITELY will be.

There's much more, but it's getting late/early. If I get permission, I might put up the recording of the call.

Thanks so much to my old friend (lets call him/her April Phoolz) for providing all of this great info.